As a career counselor at JFCS for more than two years, yesterday was the second time I had visited the food pantry.
When I reflect back on that first visit, the staff was lovely, and the operation compared favorably to the other food pantries that I’d visited. The layout made it feel like a supermarket, allowing individuals to shop for their food, an important touch that helps to maintain normalcy and reduce perceived stigma.
It’s offerings were also excellent. It was also stocked with a large quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables and had a selection of meat and poultry in addition to the usual canned and dried goods that typify most food pantry offerings. They also carry toiletries and other needs that not all food pantries carry.
Unlike most food pantries, the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry also has a team of social workers on site that help connect community members in need to others supportive services.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I left impressed by both the scope of the operation and the dedication of the staff, despite not having much day-to-day interactions with the pantry.
Adapting to Crisis
With the recent operational changes brought on by COVID-19, however, I had the opportunity to spend part of a day there helping the Pantry staff create bags of food for clients.
In a climate of shortage and uncertainty, I found an island of stability and support.
Despite the closures happening across the city and the region, the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry is still open, having implemented operational changes to protect both shoppers and staff. Instead of the shopping experience, the staff has created bags of food for pick-up by clients.
More now than ever, the Pantry is a vital community support, filled with staff that are dedicated to helping community members to meet their nutritional needs. Their dedication, competence, and professionalism in a difficult time is noteworthy. So too was their good cheer and commitment to the community.
We are experiencing an unprecedented crisis and with it comes super-heroism by our staff. They are so deeply committed to making sure that no one goes hungry and everyone is able to feed themselves and their families through this crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their nutritional needs and they keep kosher or live within the 15217 zip code, please connect them to the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry.
-Chris Rippee – Career Counselor, JFCS Career Development Center
Pictured are JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry and Critical Needs staff members helping with bagged groceries for clients!